Marc-Andre Fleury strengthens Hall of Fame candidacy, rises to second in historical NHL goalie victories

Marc Andre Fleury

Goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury expressed gratitude to the crossbar after a puck clanked off it, showcased his exceptional saves, and basked in the celebration of his teammates on Monday night. However, this wasn’t just another routine victory for Fleury; it marked his 552nd win, surpassing Patrick Roy and securing his position as the second-winningest goaltender in NHL history, trailing only Martin Brodeur (691). Achieving this milestone with flair, Fleury made 21 saves, earning his 74th career shutout in the Minnesota Wild’s 5-0 triumph over the New York Islanders.

Reflecting on the historic moment, Fleury shared, “My dream was to play in the NHL. I was so happy to play in that first game. From there on, it was just one game at a time, one win at a time, just try to win the next one. I’ve been very fortunate to play with many great teams, great teammates, people who helped me stay healthy through the journey. It’s so crazy to be here now.”

At 39, Fleury is in the final year of his contract with the Wild. While he hasn’t confirmed whether this will be his last season in the NHL, his latest accomplishment has undeniably solidified his place among the goaltending legends, setting the stage for a future entry into the Hockey Hall of Fame.

Here are several factors contributing to Marc-Andre Fleury’s Hall of Fame-worthy career:

1. No. 1 Overall Draft Pick: In 2003, the Pittsburgh Penguins made Fleury the top overall draft pick, a rarity for goaltenders. This decision paid off handsomely as Fleury outshone other goalies selected first overall. Notably, he played in 1,007 games, earned four All-Star appearances, and secured the Vezina Trophy in the 2020-21 season.

2. Three Stanley Cup Titles: Fleury played a pivotal role in leading the Pittsburgh Penguins to three Stanley Cup titles. In 2009, he made a crucial save in the dying seconds of Game 7 against the Detroit Red Wings, securing the championship. Additionally, he contributed to the Penguins’ victories in 2016 and 2017, showcasing his resilience and impact.

3. Vegas Golden Knights Success: Fleury’s transition from a Stanley Cup champion to the primary goaltender for an expansion team, the Vegas Golden Knights, was a remarkable chapter in his career. Despite the team’s newcomer status, Fleury’s stellar performance, including a Vezina Trophy-winning season, helped the Golden Knights become instant contenders, reaching the Stanley Cup Final in their inaugural season.

4. Victory Against Every NHL Team: Fleury’s achievement of securing at least one victory against every NHL team is a testament to his consistency and success throughout his career. From established franchises to newer additions like the Seattle Kraken, Fleury has demonstrated his skill and competitiveness against diverse opponents.

As Marc-Andre Fleury continues to add to his illustrious career, the question of whether this season will be his last lingers. Regardless of what the future holds, Fleury’s journey in the NHL has left an indelible mark, positioning him as one of the greatest goaltenders in the league’s history.

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